Throw a Punch

by Andrew Lennon

Bullied and picked on every day of your life.
Will you take it, or fight back?
Will you have the courage to throw a punch?

This short story also appears in "Growing Pains" an anthology published by Sinister Saints, an imprint of Horrified Press.
You can purchase paperback copies of the anthology

Genres: Contemporary

10 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2015

About the author

Andrew Lennon is the bestselling author of Every Twisted Thought and several other horror/thriller books. He has featured in various bestselling anthologies, and is successfully becoming a recognised name in horror and thriller writing.

His work has appeared alongside horror royalty such as Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Richard Chizmar, Clive Barker, and many more.

Andrew is a happily married man living in the North West of England with his wife Hazel & their children.

For more information please go to www.andrewlennon.co.uk

Reviews

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Download for free from Smashwords here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

This was a short story about a boy being bullied, who finally found his courage when the bullies started beating up his best friend. I wasn't 100% sure about the 'super-human' powers at the end, where they just down to adrenalin? Or was Joe really a bit different?

[Jess ❈Harbinger of Blood-Soaked Rainbows❈ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my favorite story from this author until the very end. It was the most well-executed, had the most dynamic characters, and I liked the plot a lot. However, the ending came off as really corny and contrived instead of shocking, and I wasn't sure whether it was supposed to be realistic or satirical.

My only criticism is the dialogue. I'm still not getting that its genuine......fifteen year old boys don't call each other "sleepyhead."

However, I'm happy that Andrew Lennon is honing his craft. The narrative read so much cleaner and was less expository than normal. And up until the end, was very believable and raw. Looking forward to the next one!

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this very short story. It's basically about bullies, the bullies and the consequences of it all. I was bullied like Joe, the guy in the book who is beaten and tormented by Kevin and his good squad. He never fights back.

Joe has a good friend in Steven, Steven is always telling Joe to fight back, to stand up for himself. Joe feels dying might even be a better option.

That's all I'm telling because there is a fantastic plot twist and finale to this book. And a message in in for all who have ever been bullied. It's 10 pages long, it's easy to read, it's enjoyable and it packs a punch at the end. Liked this one a lot.

I was bullied terribly, so felt emotional reading this short story.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The hot button topic of bullying is difficult to escape these days. Lennon delivers a little story packing a heck of a punch with a fabulous twist at the end. A powerful message in this short story, for those bullied you'll fully appreciate Joe, for the bully's out there pay very close attention. Well done.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short story about Joe, a fifteen year old who has been bullied and punched nearly every day by Kevin and his two sidekicks, who are known as Beef and Dumps. Unfortunately all three are in the same class as him at school, too, making it hard from him to totally avoid them, His only real friend is Stephen, who keeps encouraging Joe to fight back, rather than just let them hit him and get away with it. You'll need to read the book to find out what happens when the bullies target Stephen instead of Joe . . . .

Another great short story with a twist from this author. This one wasn't as totally unexpected as some of his others but is still well written with believable characters, reactions and experiences all mixed together in an enjoyable short story. As this is another freebie, you know it makes sense to go download and read it!

Available from https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another short story from a promising author, this one is about bullying and a victim that finally snaps. We have all been victims of bullying in the past, maybe just the odd nasty comment, or maybe in the form of physical violence, this story shows what a lot of us end up hoping for.

[Christina McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story about Joe, he'd been bullied by the same group of kids his whole life. One day the beatings become about more than just Joe...what happens on this day is awesomesauce! Great story with a wonderful ending!

[Leigh Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a young boy who finally stands up against the bullies! Awesome read!

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Loved the ending